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Washington, December 19, 2024 – In its final month in office, the Biden administration has announced significant reforms to the H-1B visa program. The changes, unveiled by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Tuesday, aim to simplify hiring processes for American companies and streamline the transition for international students on F-1 visas to H-1B status. These reforms are expected to enhance workforce flexibility and bolster the competitiveness of U.S. businesses globally. Key Reforms to the H-1B Program 1. Modernized Criteria for Specialty Occupations The updated definition and criteria for specialty occupations provide clarity for positions exempt from the annual…

Kulgam, December 19, 2024 – Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district engaged in a fierce encounter with terrorists late Wednesday night, according to officials. The gunfight occurred in Kadder, Behibagh, following a joint cordon-and-search operation conducted by the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police. The operation was launched based on specific intelligence inputs regarding the presence of terrorists in the area. When security personnel approached the location, the suspects opened fire, triggering a gunfight. The Indian Army’s Chinar Corps confirmed the developments on X, stating:`Suspicious activity was observed by vigilant troops, and on being challenged, terrorists opened…

Adelaide, December 18 In an unexpected move, India’s premier off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket on Wednesday, effective immediately, during the ongoing Test series against Australia. Ashwin, 38, retires as India's second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, with 537 dismissals in 106 matches, trailing only Anil Kumble’s 619. While stepping away from international cricket, he confirmed he will continue playing club cricket. “I won’t take too much of your time. Today will be the last day for me as an India cricketer,” Ashwin stated at the conclusion of the drawn third Test in Adelaide. The announcement, made alongside captain…

National Times Bureau: In a move that brings attention to a long-standing historical issue, Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry has raised concerns about the absence of General MAG Osmani, the Bangladeshi military commander, at the surrender ceremony that concluded the 1971 Liberation War. This pivotal event, held in Dhaka on December 16, 1971, marked the end of a brutal nine-month conflict and the creation of Bangladesh as an independent nation. In a Facebook post titled “Facts in History,” the ministry claimed that General Osmani, a critical figure in the Joint Command of Indian and Bangladeshi forces, was excluded from the surrender ceremony.…

Chandigarh, December 18, 2024 – Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini reaffirmed the state’s commitment to eradicating drug abuse during a program held in Panchkula. Outlining the government’s strict measures and zero-tolerance policy, Saini emphasized honoring those contributing to this cause while holding negligent officers accountable. The Chief Minister announced incentives for Panchayats actively combating drug abuse and for police officers taking decisive action against drug trafficking. Conversely, officials failing to curb drug-related activities within their jurisdictions will face stringent action. Saini pointed out that drug abuse is a global issue with serious national security implications. He drew attention to…

National Times Bureau: Deputy Commissioner Aashika Jain has unveiled plans for the construction of eight large ponds, each covering an area of 20 acres, in the Dera Bassi subdivision. This initiative is designed to tackle the critical issue of groundwater depletion while also addressing the region's flood management needs. The ponds aim to recharge depleting groundwater levels and act as check dams to manage floodwaters. By doing so, they will protect nearby agricultural lands and residential areas from the adverse effects of flooding. This project is part of a larger effort to establish sustainable water management practices and mitigate flood…

National Times Bureau: NASA astronauts Sunita `Suni` Williams and Barry `Butch` Wilmore, currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS), will have their return to Earth delayed once again. Initially scheduled for February 2025, their mission is now extended to late March or early April, marking nearly 10 months in space—much longer than their planned week-long journey.   Extended Mission Due to Technical Challenges Williams and Wilmore launched on June 5 aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft for a brief stay on the ISS. However, the mission faced complications after technical issues with the Starliner—such as leaks and thruster malfunctions—rendered it unsafe for…

Chandigarh, National Times Bureau: The farmers' protest in Punjab has reached a critical juncture, with farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher announcing a statewide Punjab Bandh’ on December 30. The bandh is aimed at intensifying pressure on the central and state governments to address farmers' longstanding demands, including minimum support price (MSP) guarantees, compensation for losses, and justice for the sacrifices made during the protests. Pandher called upon people across Punjab to join the bandh, stating, “This fight is not just for farmers but for every Punjabi who values justice and fairness. We must unite to show the strength of our community.”…

Brisbane/National Times Bureau: Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India’s most celebrated cricketers, has announced his retirement from international cricket, effective immediately. The 37-year-old made the announcement following the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Brisbane. “This will be my last year as an Indian cricketer across all formats at the international level,” Ashwin revealed during a press conference. “I believe I still have a bit to offer as a cricketer, but I’d like to express that through club-level cricket moving forward.” Reflecting on his career, Ashwin spoke about the camaraderie he shared with his teammates, especially Rohit Sharma. “I’ve made…

Calgary/Rajiv Sharma: Alberta’s publicly funded post-secondary education system prepares students to meet growing demands for a skilled and well-educated workforce. By leading in research, generating significant revenue, and enabling Alberta to compete globally for talent and investment in innovation, post-secondary institutions are an integral part of Alberta’s continued prosperity. To maintain and build upon this reputation for excellence in post-secondary education, Alberta’s government announced on Nov. 7 a comprehensive review of the province's post-secondary education system. Led by economist Dr. Jack Mintz, a panel of experts with diverse professional backgrounds will assess key aspects of the system and ensure it…